There are plenty of factors that can cause temporary or permanent tooth discolorations. First, there is the extrinsic discoloration, which means that your teeth get discolored because of external factors.
For example, if you consume caffeinated beverages, red wine, cola or you are smoking-these can all cause temporary discoloration and staining of your teeth. Patients who consume such beverages are advised to rinse their mouth with pure water every time after the consumption of a glass of wine or a cola.
This way, you will not allow the harmful particles to stick to your teeth and cause staining.
Teeth can also get discolored because of intrinsic causes. This means that the staining is caused by an internal factor. The internal structure of your tooth called the dentin will get discolored (yellowish), and this type of staining is much more difficult to deal with. Some of the main causes on intrinsic staining include:
- Taking prescription pills, especially minocycline antibiotics
- If the patient has been exposed to large amounts of fluoride during childhood, the dentin can also get discolored years later because of this exposure
- A health condition known as dentinogenesis imperfect. This health condition causes your teeth to get that gray and purple discoloration
- As a result of the natural aging process, our teeth cannot maintain that beautiful and shiny ivory/white color for all our life. As we age, our entire body suffers transformations.
- In order to avoid the staining of the dentin and of course the thinning of it, you should keep in mind the following:
- Rinse your mouth with pure water every time you get the occasion
- Purchase the home dental whitening kits to get teeth with a few shades whiter. Do not use these kits more than two times per year, because they can cause thinning of the enamel and induce tooth sensitivity
- Use toothpaste which has in its composition whitening agents, and also use an antibacterial/whitening mouthwash regularly
In-office laser whitening is the most expensive procedure, but it will also give the best results. Laser teeth whitening is the most gentle whitening done in the office and if you want beautiful white teeth, you should try laser whitening.
The dentist will apply a rich concentration peroxide gel onto your teeth, and then he will apply a treatment with the laser light. Within up to 1 or 2 hours, your teeth could be lighter by even up to 6 or more shades. The dental whitening kits contain a very weak peroxide gel, so the results between home whitening and in office bleaching will vary greatly.
Professional dental whitening has the power to remove even intrisic stains, thanks to the maximum strength of the peroxide gel to penetrate the tooth, until the dentin layers. Just talk to your dentist about the suitable whitening options if you struggle with stained teeth.
